Podcast Summary: Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out - Episode 146: Jack Antonoff Returns: Working Out the New Theme Song
Introduction
In Episode 146 of "Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out," renowned comedian and host Mike Birbiglia welcomes back Jack Antonoff, a multifaceted musician, producer, and frontman of the band Bleachers. This episode dives deep into Jack's expansive career, personal life, creative processes, and his perspectives on authenticity in the arts.
Guest Background
Jack Antonoff opens the conversation by reflecting on his views about success and personal opinions surrounding it. He shares insights from a recent interview with Billboard, where he discussed his perceived "hunger" in the music industry.
Jack Antonoff [00:00]: "People's personal opinions on the concept of success colors so much."
Mike Birbiglia provides an overview of Jack's impressive career trajectory, highlighting his marriage to actress Margaret Qualley, his work with major artists like Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Bruce Springsteen, and St. Vincent, and his consecutive Grammy wins for Producer of the Year.
Current Projects and Achievements
Jack elaborates on his ongoing projects, including the latest albums from Bleachers: the self-titled Bleachers and Stranger Desired. He expresses his enthusiasm for the band's upcoming Madison Square Garden performance and shares details about both his and Mike's touring schedules.
Mike Birbiglia [00:37]: "Bleachers will be playing Madison Square Garden this Friday. I'm going, maybe I'll see you there."
Authenticity and Performing
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the importance of authenticity in performance, whether in music or comedy. Jack emphasizes his disdain for artists who either overly project a "nice guy" image or adopt a cynical persona, advocating instead for genuine connections with the audience.
Jack Antonoff [06:10]: "I'm annoyed by both. The show in all, whether it's comedy or art, I'm pretty much uninterested in anyone selling themselves as a nice guy or a piece of shit."
Rachel Antonoff adds to this discourse, critiquing the "nice guy industry" in comedy and underscoring the value of nuanced expressions over binary characterizations.
Songwriting and Producing Process
Jack delves into his creative process, highlighting the intrinsic connection he feels with songwriting and producing. He discusses how his approach remains consistent regardless of the audience size, whether performing for a small venue or a massive arena. Jack underscores the fleeting nature of inspiration and the challenges of maintaining creative momentum.
Jack Antonoff [14:21]: "I feel like my life is exactly the same. The context of it has just changed."
He also touches upon the emotional highs experienced when a lyric or melody perfectly captures a feeling or story, comparing it to a sense of owning the world momentarily.
Jack Antonoff [41:11]: "When I get a good lyric, I feel like I own the world for one second."
Personal Reflections and Family Dynamics
The conversation shifts to personal anecdotes, including Jack's relationship with his family and the influence of his upbringing in Milford, New Jersey. He reflects on the transition from a working-class environment to a more affluent setting and how it shaped his understanding of class and success.
Jack Antonoff [35:52]: "Every city in America, there's different parts of the town and you experience wealth and the people who have it and don't have it in different ways."
Rachel shares a heartfelt memory of attending a Taylor Swift concert with her family, where Jack performed. She questions the impact of such large-scale performances on children, prompting Jack to express his concerns about exposing future generations to the pressures of fame and performance.
Rachel Antonoff [32:57]: "And I'm like, okay, that's weird for me with my daughter. How is it for you if you ever have children?"
Reworking the Theme Song
Towards the end of the episode, Jack and Rachel collaborate on reworking the podcast's theme song. They experiment with new lyrics and melodies, infusing a more optimistic tone to reflect the journey they've undertaken since the pandemic.
Rachel Antonoff [51:59]: "We’re working it out because it’s not done. We’re working it out one on one. Cause there’s always a bit more jokes we can explore. They’re not all gonna score. But we’re gonna try one more."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with warm exchanges between Mike, Jack, Rachel, and Margaret Qualley, emphasizing the deep-rooted friendships and collaborative spirit that define their relationships. They reminisce about past performances, share laughs over old jokes, and express excitement for future projects and charitable endeavors.
Jack Antonoff [54:10]: "It's the best night of the year."
Notable Quotes
- Jack Antonoff [00:37]: "People's personal opinions on the concept of success colors so much."
- Jack Antonoff [06:10]: "I'm annoyed by both. The show in all, whether it's comedy or art, I'm pretty much uninterested in anyone selling themselves as a nice guy or a piece of shit."
- Jack Antonoff [14:21]: "I feel like my life is exactly the same. The context of it has just changed."
- Jack Antonoff [41:11]: "When I get a good lyric, I feel like I own the world for one second."
- Rachel Antonoff [51:59]: "We’re working it out because it’s not done. We’re working it out one on one. Cause there’s always a bit more jokes we can explore. They’re not all gonna score. But we’re gonna try one more."
Final Thoughts
Episode 146 offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Jack Antonoff's creative mind, his unwavering commitment to authenticity, and the enduring bonds of friendship that sustain him. Through candid conversations and collaborative creativity, Mike Birbiglia and Jack Antonoff explore the intricacies of being a prolific artist in today's fast-paced world.
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